The National tribune., 1887-03-10
three or four hundred good, brave, devoted Off.
eers and men.
NOTHING no HINDER.
Guiiant Charge and a BIOOdIess victory.

untAAhA AtafEe ana bl0OGAehh
The entrance into Culpeper, Virginia, in
July, 1862 was more Of a comedy than a
tragedy. Just before we entered the town IL
was thought grand undertaking. The expe-
dition was under the command Of Gen. Hatch,
with a brigade Of cavalry. We were then in
the Department called Defenses Of Washing
ton" Oar time was employed in picketing
and scouting. On this trip we crossed the
Blue Ridge AT Swift Run Gap, passing through
the army Of Gen. Sigel at or near Little WASH
iugton Va, and on through NOodville and
Speuyville 10 Culpeper. We had a very pleas
ant march ON good roads aud through fine
country, untouched as yet by the hand Of war.
There was abundance Of fruits, honey, chickens,
ETC. There was nothing to interrupt our
march, and we made regular picnic OF II, Ike
Sherman's boys from Atlantis 10 the sea"
The morning Of July II, 1862, found our
regimeDt-lst Vt. Gavin the advance. We
had not proceeded far when we found the
cnemy's pickets. They had made a small bar
ricade of rails across the road in thick
piece Of woods, and behind this was making a
stand, leading us 20 suspect strong force at
hand. Our skirmish-line was reinforced and
heightened SO We could flank the position on
both sides
The General, hearing the firing, came to the
front and ordered charge. which resulted in
the capture of 10 men. They seemed TO be
farmers living in the vicinity, home on fur
Tough, or recruiting or scouting. We could
learn nothing from them regarding any Con-
federate troops far or near Yet they limited
we would find plenty of them soon.
We moved on a short distance and passing
out of the woods the town of Culpeper was IN
view. Making short stop here, and giving
the country and town a careful overlooking.
we could sec but few troops. Yet, fearing a
concealed enemy, We moved slowly We
could see from the hill where we were what
looked like a company of infantry with fixed
bayOnets formed in line near the center of the
town. We thought the buildings were full OF
infantry. The brigade now formed on each flank
of the town in supporting distance OF charg-
ing column.
After placing the troops in position Gen.
Hatch ordered the LIST VT. to charge and capture
the town. Away we went on the gallon, sabers
in air. Now and then a revolver-shot was
heard in our ranks caused by the excitement
of the charging men. We reached the town.
No vOley OF infantry was poured on us as we
expected. On we went 10 capture the company
OF infantry we saw from the hill. Some of our
men taking one street and some another, de-
termined the enemy should not slip us, we
reached the position where they ought TO have
been. and To- there were no troops of any
kind-not gun fired on us. What could il
meanP Officers were ordered 10 search the
Courthouse. We rushed in with drawn re-
volyers; no one there. Several darkies came
up TO US and began bowling and scraping.
ave is mighty glad TO see you ALL"
Say, there, what has become of the troops
that Were hereH" was the question we asked
the darkies.
There was no sogers heah. Massa"
CHANGING up the building. we saw the sun
rejecting on the tin roof of the Courthouse.
Thiswas what we thought TO be bayonets. as seen
from the distance. Well, we had hearty ha
hal at our fears and the grand deception the
sun and tin roof played on us. Putting out
pickets, we went into camp, making merry over
our bloodless victory.--S A. CLARK, Lieuten.
ant. Co. /, LIST VT. Cav, Holabird Oak.